Car Window Tinting

[PunkRockinHorn]

I just bought a new car (mazda 3, 4 dr sedan) and I'm going to look into getting the windows tinted. Any suggestions on good/affordable places in Austin to get this done.

Thanks!

 

[GatorDave]

A related question, not to threadjack:

Is it legal to tint the front windshield? If so, is that standard practice in tint jobs these days?

 

[OrangeBlooded]

mothers

 

[accuratehorn]

Tint Specialists-used to be close to where my former location was, the owner is named Hector, seemed to do cars correctly, always had new cars sent there from a couple of dealerships who would sub the job to them. They know the legal tints for Texas. I think they have two or three locations now.

 

[hullabelew]

I always call the dealerships to ask where they have their tinting done. Then tell the tint shop that XYZ dealership referred you to them.

 

[Bustahyman]

I worked at a tint shop in college. All of the tinters had their front windows illegally tinted, but most drove early 90's mustangs which had a pretty flat windshield. It was amazing how much of a difference it made in keeping the temp down. That being said, it would never be practical for anyone other than tint shop guys who also do inspection stickers.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I don't know how to use that formula as described ^ but IIRC, the old rule of thumb was that you held a tape measure or ruler to the window @ a 90 degree angle & if it was reflected by X amount of inches, then you were OK / not OK, etc.

& What product is good to use for long term? I had my Mom's '91 Yota 4 Runner tinted back in '92 & by '98, it had bubbled badly in a bunch of spots.

Of course, the "lifetime" tint job was only as good as the shop who did the install & I do know they used 3M products 'cause that's what was on the box they opened (new shipment of film).

 

[AUinAustin]

A fair ammount of info here - especially the legal stuff. The site is for shop owners but has a lot of good info
The Link